Giants summer questionnaire: Defensive tackle Linval Joseph

William Perlman/The Star-LedgerIn his first season as a starter, Giants defensive tackle Linval Joseph had two sacks, including this one of the Miami Dolphins' Matt Moore. Joseph is hoping he'll be even more productive after having surgery to fix a foot issue that bothered him last season.

And now, as we continue our Giants summer questionnaire series, it's time to visit with one of the more overlooked members of the roster, defensive tackle Linval Joseph.

I say Joseph is overlooked because he plays one of the more thankless positions on the team and also because he's careful with what he says and doesn't like to draw attention to himself. Well, at least that's the way he's been for the past two seasons. But Joseph, who had two sacks as a full-time starter next to Chris Canty last year, has a pretty good personality that seems to be peeking out now that he's experienced some on-field success and is establishing himself as a veteran.

How have you been doing this offseason, given you’ve been sidelined and unable to participate fully in practice?

I’m doing okay. I’m just working to get back strong, get the mental reps. I’m ready for training camp.

Do you feel you have enough experience to not have to worry about missed time in the spring?

I wouldn’t call it like that. I don’t want to miss any time at all. But at the same time, I’m ready to get back.

How much was that ankle bothering you last year?

It was numb. I don’t know if you’ve ever had a numb foot before. It bothered me a lot.

For the whole season?

The second half of the season. I just sucked it up, finished out the season and won the Super Bowl. It was worth it.

I don’t recall you being on the injury report at all.

I didn’t say anything about it during the season. I told the trainers once in a while, but I didn’t say a lot about it.

You didn’t want to be listed on the injury report?

Not at all.

How did the injury affect you?

Let me give you an example. It’s like your leg is asleep when you’re walking. That’s what it feels like. But when it’s numb for a certain amount of time, you learn how to play with it. You adapt to it.

Was it something that happened at a specific point?

No, I guess every week it just got worse and worse.

And now that it’s behind you?

It feels great to get it fixed and be ready to go.

You’ve been a somewhat quiet, soft-spoken guy the last few years. Do you think as you get more comfortable people will see more of your personality?

That’s just all part of the game. When you get comfortable…

Rumor has it you have a pretty good personality.

(Laughs) Everybody’s got a good personality down deep. I guess, like you say, when you get comfortable, when you talk to more people, you’ll be more relaxed.